Halsey Just Took A Stand Against Russian LGBTQ Laws During Show In Moscow

Last night in Moscow, Halsey made a powerful statement in support of her LGBTQ fans after performing in the Russian capital.

For those that don't know, Russia introduced a law in 2013 that bans gay "propaganda", that which they define as providing children with any information about homosexuality. It also suggests that homosexuality is alien to life in Russia.

The laws have been widely condemned as encouraging homophobia and discrimination and they have made life for LGBTQ people in the country increasingly difficult. Censorship of the arts is also becoming more prevalent. Recently, the Disney film Beauty and the Beast fell foul of the law after members of the Russian government campaigned for it to be banned because of it's “shameless propaganda of sin”, due to a short scene in which two same-sex characters dance together. Eventually it was given a restrictive 16+ rating.

At present, international LGBTQ performers are still allowed to perform in the country and Halsey didn't waste her opportunity there to cast scorn on the repressive laws. In a post on her Instagram, Halsey posted pictures from the show, featuring several fans with rainbow flags, as well as a poem which included lines about her concerns about performing in the country. "Scared the police gonna keep me in custody", she writes, because... "Russia don't fuck with me."

"I'm out in Moscow, and feelin unlucky, Scared the police gonna, keep me in custody. And all these kids love me, but Russia don't fuck with me. Cause I wrote some songs, about women who fuck with me, I got a rainbow 10 feet up above me. and this what I meant, when I said that they shush me. But no one can judge me. Expect no less of me. In all of these faces, there's greatness among me. I love you Moscow, you were badass tonight."

In another video captured by a fan at the show, Halsey directs the crowd to shout "fuck off" during 'Lie'. No prizes for who that might have been aimed at.

Halsey should be applauded for taking a stand against the Russian government and sticking up for her fans. At a time when government authorities in the Russian republic of Chechnya are now hunting down gay & bi men and murdering them, it is more important than ever that we take notice and highlight the suffering that is taking place every single day.

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